Westminster council authorizes study, design‑build process for Little Saigon archway

The Westminster City Council voted 4‑0 on June 25 to direct staff to hire a consultant and begin a design‑build selection process for a Little Saigon welcome archway.

The motion — made by Councilwoman Fan West and seconded by Councilmember Wynne — follows weeks of public advocacy and a packed public comment period in which multiple community members urged the council to move the project forward as a cultural landmark.

The archway initiative drew dozens of speakers at the meeting. “This new welcome archway will not only honor our rich cultural heritage, it will also become a proud landmark that boosts tourism, drive economic growth, and increase the visibility of Westminster as a premier destination,” said Gigi Vo, a community member representing Little Saigon. Duke Nguyen, who described himself as a second‑generation Vietnamese American born and raised in Westminster, told the council, “I support in believing that this archway will bring a lot of vitality, a lot of culture, and a lot of people to visit the city.”

Councilmembers framed the vote narrowly. Mayor (City of Westminster) said the motion would only initiate a feasibility study and update technical work already completed two years earlier, and that a later return to the council would include a cost estimate, funding sources, and public outreach on final design. Vice Mayor Manzo noted that the county had “initially gave us a million dollars for that, and we still have it. It's in the bank,” and urged local businesses to help support the project.

Several speakers also cautioned about public funding. Resident Roger Mindram said he opposed use of general tax dollars for the arch, saying it could be perceived as a “vanity project” and urging private donations instead. Others called for a fast‑track design‑build procurement so the community could see results quickly.

Council action: the council first agreed to move agenda item 9.1 ahead of public hearings so members could hear community comment; after public comment the council approved a second motion to direct staff to retain a consultant and initiate a design‑build selection process. Staff said the initial step will be an update of prior technical work and a feasibility study; a separate design outreach process and cost estimate will follow, and no construction will begin without additional council approvals.

Councilmembers said the study will revisit prior technical work the city received with a county RFP two years ago and update traffic, foundation and constructability analyses. The council also noted it expects staff to return with a full funding plan and public‑outreach schedule before committing construction dollars.

Community members and councilmembers asked that the design phase include public outreach and that the city be explicit about what funding sources will and will not be used. Vice Mayor Manzo said he believes the archway would benefit the city economically and culturally, but reiterated that the study must show costs and funding sources before the council commits to construction.

The council’s directive does not authorize construction funds and does not set a design for the archway. Staff said consultants will be selected from a shortlist and that any recommended contract or construction award will return to the council for separate approval.